Healing Nutritional Supplement Program

With any type of invasive procedure, surgical outcomes tend to improve when the patient is in good physical health. Providing nutritional support two weeks before and after surgery is an important part of this process and is essential for optimum healing. In fact, one recent surgical study indicates that patients recuperate almost 20 percent faster when taking nutritional supplements. Your body's effort to heal increases the demand for certain nutrients required in the healing process.

Tissue healing sets off a complex chain of events that increases cellular activity and causes the body to intensify its metabolic demand for nutrients and antioxidants. For an incision to heal successfully, patients need adequate amounts of carbohydrates, protein, fat, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Patients who don't fulfill their nutritional needs may be at risk for increased bruising and swelling, and other complications.

While our bodies have remarkable innate repair mechanisms, the efficiency of this process diminishes with age, and can become compromised when our daily diet is lacking the nutrients derived from adequate supplies of fresh fruits and vegetables.

To augment our health, many Americans take nutritional supplements on a routine basis. While generally beneficial and safe, the used of several popular supplements, around the time of surgery, may not be recommended. Certain nutritional supplements may cause adverse reactions during or after surgery, including prolonged bleeding, interference with anesthesia, cardiovascular disturbances and interactions with prescription drugs. According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, it is recommended that supplements producing these effects be avoided at least two weeks prior to surgery and for at least one week post-surgery. Supplements to Discontinue Before and After Surgery.

At Maffi Plastic Surgery, we provide specialized nutritional supplements designed to support the nutritional needs of patients undergoing surgical procedures. These products are formulated with essential nutrients to support healing, enhance tissue repair, support the immune system, prevent infection, minimize inflammation and reduce bruising. At the same time, any nutrients that can cause problems during the peri-operative period have been selectively excluded.

Dr. Maffi's Recommended Nutrient Support Program for Surgical Patients

Starting two weeks before surgery, we recommend patients take a proprietary nutritional supplement program specially formulated for surgical patients. This two-part formulation, taken in the morning and at night, excludes nutrients known to adversely affect wound healing, while ramping up doses of beneficial substances proven to effectively facilitate tissue repair and immune system functions.

The nutrients within this formulation are timed to release in the cycle of the day when the patient will derive the most benefit. The morning formulation includes the entire B-complex to promote energy and rapid recovery, while the evening formulation contains minerals and amino acid compounds that promote rest and relaxation.

Surgery causes the body stress, which in turn causes the cells to oxidize more readily, creating free radicals. These oxidized cells can have a detrimental effect on healing. The right antioxidants can minimize this free radical damage to cells. Our formulation includes vitamin A (15,000 IUs of beta carotene - higher than the average multi-vitamin), vitamin C (750 mg.), selenium and bioflavonoids -- all powerful antioxidants that mitigate damage during the peri- and post-operative period. It also includes zinc, a mineral that helps facilitate chemical reactions within the immune system.

Rebuilding tissue is an orderly progression of events that is dependent upon the availability of essential nutrients. The science of targeted nutrients is based on data gathered from controlled studies under the direction of leading researchers in the field of nutrient science. While many of the nutrients in our formulation may be found in multiple supplement products, it is simpler and more beneficial to take them in this unique combination, configured to meet the distinct needs of plastic surgery patients.

The nutritional supplement program also includes bromelain with quercetin, a potent anti-inflammatory combination. Bromelain is an enzyme extracted from the stem of the pineapple. Together bromelain and quercetin work synergistically to reduce bruising and swelling associated with surgical procedures. Bromelain inhibits prostaglandins that cause inflammation and promotes formation of anti-inflammatory mediators including histamine. Combined, these nutrients enhance the effects of each other and demonstrate significant anti-inflammatory activity.

In addition, Arnica Montana is supplied to help reduce bruising. Arnica Montana 30X is a homeopathic remedy designed to reduce the discomfort, bruising and swelling associated with soft tissue injury that often accompanies surgical and non-surgical procedures. The homeopathic preparations work with the body to stimulate the body's immune system and aid its natural healing processes.

An Arnica Montana 30X formulation is also used to minimize bruising associated with aesthetic injectable procedures such as BOTOX®, Restylane®, Perlane® and Juvederm™.

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